Malaysia Festival axed as Matty Healy of The 1975 condemns Anti-LGBT Law

A festival in Malaysia faced cancellation after British singer Matty Healy, frontman of the popular band The 1975, spoke out against the country's anti-LGBT laws during their performance at the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur. The singer's impassioned speech and a symbolic on-stage kiss triggered a swift response from festival officials, leading to the cancellation of the remaining schedule.

Matty Healy Addresses Audience

During the headline performance by 'The 1975', Matty Healy took the opportunity to address the audience with a speech filled with strong language. Healy passionately criticized the country's anti-LGBT laws and expressed his frustration at the restrictions imposed on personal freedom. He further highlighted the discrepancy between inviting international artists to the country and then limiting their rights based on their sexual orientation.


In a powerful display of solidarity and defiance, Matty Healy kissed bass player Ross MacDonald on stage during the band's set, symbolizing their support for the LGBTQ+ community. The act was a clear statement against Malaysia's strict laws on homosexuality, which carry severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison.

Healy’s abrupt end to performance

Following Healy's speech and the symbolic gesture, festival officials reportedly ordered The 1975 to end their set prematurely. The decision sparked controversy and discussions about artistic freedom and the clash between international artists' values and local laws.

The response of festival organizers

In the aftermath of the incident, the Good Vibes Festival's organizers issued a statement confirming the cancellation of the remaining festival events. They cited an "immediate cancellation directive" from Malaysia's Ministry of Communications and Digital as the reason behind their decision. The ministry stood firm in its stance against any challenges to Malaysian laws and deemed The 1975's performance non-compliant.

Support for LGBTQ+ Community

According to reports, The 1975 affirmed the band's longstanding commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and standing up for the rights of their fans. Matty Healy's actions on stage were consistent with his history of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights during live performances.

Malaysia's Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil criticized The 1975's performance on Twitter, describing it as "very disrespectful." He contacted festival organizers, urging them to provide a comprehensive report about the incident.

Previous Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights

This is not the first time Matty Healy has used his platform to speak out against anti-LGBT laws. In a 2019 gig in Dubai, he invited a male fan on stage for a hug and quick kiss, which resulted in controversy due to the country's strict laws on homosexuality.
Notable artists such as The Strokes, Dermot Kennedy, and Ty Dollar $ign were among the scheduled performers at the Good Vibes Festival, although the event was cut short due to the controversy surrounding The 1975's performance.

FAQs

Q1:When did Matty Healy start making music?
Back in 2002, when he was just 13 years old, Adam Hann invited Matty Healy to join a band he was forming at Wilmslow High School along with Ross MacDonald. Originally recruited as the drummer, Healy's journey took a different turn when the potential lead singer dropped out after a rehearsal, leading him to step up as the new lead vocalist. Later on, the group welcomed George Daniel, who assumed the role of the band's drummer.

Q2: Why is 'the 1975' called by this name?
Throughout their career, the band adopted various names like Drive Like I Do and Bigsleep before finally deciding on 'The 1975'. The inspiration for their current name came from a Jack Kerouac poetry book, where they found the phrase "1 June, The 1975" written on the back cover.